emftamatalk Reviews

Thomas & Friends (1984–2021)

Didn't even like it as a kid

[3/10 · 9 November 2014]

Unfortunately, this show makes me fall asleep. Even when I was very young, I found it more boring than any other show. Usually I have a liking to shows for a younger audience, but every episode is almost the same in this show.

Whenever I watched Thomas, all I heard was "Then there was trouble!", "You have caused confusion and delay", and "You are a really useful engine". The plot is way too predictable and I get tired of the narrator saying these three phrases in every episode. He also talks way too slowly.

I do like the concept of talking trains and the scenery looks nice, but I do not think this stands out from any other kids' shows. It teaches nothing and is neither funny nor suspenseful. I have to say the CGI show is pretty impressive; I like how the characters actually have their own voices, and it's nice to see more movement rather than bland photos and non-moving face expressions.

It's fine if other people like this show, but based on my personal opinions even when I was young, this is a bad show.

Tamagotchi! (2009– )

My favorite show

[10/10 · 9 November 2014]

Now this is what I call a great anime! With over 250 episodes in just 5 years and still going strong, I hope it never ends. I have seen most of the episodes but there are still a few I haven't watched.

Tamagotchi is about cute and unique life forms called Tamagotchis (obviously). Most of them look like animals, food, or objects combined with humans. They live in a world so much like our own, yet so different. It is a magical planet where everything, from trees to cars, is alive. The world also holds many secrets and legends, as well as enchanted objects.

The plot can wander quite a bit; many of the episodes are stand-alone tales, but there are continuous story lines that can last from anywhere between a few episodes to an entire season. You never know what happens next.

Because most episodes are light-hearted, I am surprised at how deep and serious some of the episodes are. It can make you laugh, and it can make you cry. Many of the early episodes may seem generic and childish but still have wonderful morals. On the other hand, many of the later episodes have more creative and detailed plots that deal with imaginative or emotional situations.

The animation could use some improvement in some parts but it fares better than most other anime I can name. It has fantastic background music as well as songs sung by the characters; however, it doesn't overdo the singing. Songs appear relatively infrequently. The character songs are nonetheless impressively done.

For a cartoon based on nothing but a simple virtual pet, Tamagotchi features surprisingly complex characters and riveting plots. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys anime with cute, fluffy characters.

My Little Pony (1986–1987)

Best MLP Cartoon

[9/10 · 8 November 2014]

As much as I love My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, I feel that this is way better. Even though it was made over 10 years before I was born, it really captures my heart and makes me smile.

First of all, I love the theme song. It's so cute and catchy, and the cuteness is matched by the show itself. The ponies are adorable and more realistic than the Friendship is Magic designs, and I also find them more likable. They seem younger than FIM characters, making them even more innocent and endearing so that young girls are able to relate to them better. The ponies' voices are so adorable and my heart always melts when the baby ones talk! Despite the cuteness, this show seems to be pretty dark sometimes. I will not go into detail because I don't like giving spoilers, but some of the episodes take shocking twists and have really intense situations. The episodes are pretty long but are well thought-out so that they hold your attention for long enough.

It is amazing to see human girls in such a wonderful world filled with cute critters and colorful ponies. I think it will really stimulate the imagination of young girls.

In conclusion, I find this show utterly captivating and it definitely deserves more love from My Little Pony fans.

The Garfield Show (2008–2016)

Underrated cartoon

[7/10 · 8 November 2014]

I think this is a decent show. I liked watching Garfield & Friends when I was younger but I still like the modern show better; it seems more creative with less bland dialog. I think the voices of the characters are better now and their personalities are more lovable.

This Garfield show is quite cute and most of the episodes have really good plot ideas. You can recognize the personalities of Garfield, Jon, and the other characters from the comic strips, and they don't look too different from their original design. I like the fluid animation but I think the CGI could be done better; maybe with better textures or brighter color? What makes Garfield stand out from other modern cartoons is that it doesn't try too hard to be funny, so that you can focus on the engaging storyline without too many pointless jokes.

Overall, it's a great show for Garfield fans and I think it's especially good for children who like the comics.